Athlon Sports Cover 2 College Football PodcastTue, 28 Jul 2015 18:42:37 +0000Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:18:58 +0000Libsyn WebEngine 2.0http://athlonsportscover2.libsyn.com
enhttp://athlonsportscover2.libsyn.compodcast@athlonsports.com (podcast@athlonsports.com)http://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/3/2/b/1/32b1f39fb00fdd2f/Cover2.jpgAthlon Sports Cover 2 College Football PodcastAthlon Sportscollegefootball,collegesports,sportsnodavid.fox@athlonsports.comCover 2 College Football Podcast: Complete 2015 Big 12 PreviewTue, 28 Jul 2015 18:42:37 +0000Hosts Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan offer a complete preview and predictions of the Big 12 in 2015. TCU vs. Baylor? Who are the top challengers in the Big 12? Does the Big 12 have to go unbeaten to make the Playoff? The guys preview every team in the league for 2015.]]>54:33noCover 2 College Football Podcast: ACC, Big 12 Media Days and Talkin' SeasonThu, 23 Jul 2015 20:11:38 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox break down all of the "coach speak" from ACC and Big 12 media days as well as Art Briles, Steve Spurrier and Gus Malzahn preseason commentary. The fellas analyze the ACC predictions, cover the storylines from Big 12 Media Days and answer kid's sporst questions on the Cover 2 podcast. ]]>46:52noCover 2 College Football Podcast: SEC Media Days 2015Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:27:36 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox cut through the nonsense of SEC Media Days. Nick Saban's comments, Bret Bielema, LSU and much more from Hoover, Ala. The guys also touch on Big 12 Media predictions, debate Cow vs. Pig and answer sports questions from kids on this edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>49:04noCover 2 College Football Podcast: Preseason Top 25Mon, 29 Jun 2015 22:02:51 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox take listeners inside the preseason College Football preview magazine.

The guys break down the top four teams in the preseason top 25 and how the Athlon team settled on our College Football Playoff Projections. Why did we put two SEC teams into the Playoff? Why did we pick Baylor over TCU? Is there any reason at all NOT to pick Ohio State to win it all?

Will the Playoff Committee put two teams from the same league into the playoff or will it stick with conference champions?

The Ohio State starting quarterback debate rages on and the guys break down new Big 12 expansion rumors as well.

]]>46:42noCover 2 College Football Podcast: Early 2015 SEC PreviewTue, 07 Apr 2015 15:21:43 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan go in-depth with an early 2015 SEC preview. How does the balance power look in the East with programs like Florida and Tennessee improving? Does the West champ come from Alabama again or is the state of Mississippi ready to take control? What do the guys make of LSU-Texas A&M's coaching swap? And what about those pesky Mizzou Tigers? The fellas touch on every team and how the predictions might shake out in the SEC in 2015.]]>40:57noCover 2 College Football Podcast: Early 2015 Big Ten PreviewTue, 31 Mar 2015 21:13:06 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan go in-depth with an early 2015 Big Ten conference preview. The B1G returns as the defending champs for the first time since 2002 but chances of a repeat are better than you might think. Who can compete with Ohio State in the East? Who is the frontrunner in the West? How big of an impact does Jim Harbaugh make in his first season?The fellas touch on every team and how the predictions might shake out in the Big Ten in 2015.]]>32:41noCover 2 College Football Podcast: Early 2015 Pac-12 PreviewThu, 19 Mar 2015 18:27:48 +0000

Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan go in-depth with an early 2015 Pac-12 conference preview. Has the Pac-12 caught the SEC as the nation's best conference? Is this league too tough to produce a playoff team in 2015? Is the State of Arizona or the City of Los Angeles better equipped to make a run at the Pac-12 South Division title? Is there someone other than Stanford or Oregon in the North that is ready to challenge for the crown? The fellas touch on every team and how the predictions might shake out in the Pac-12 in 2015.

Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan go in-depth with an early 2015 ACC conference preview. Just how wide open is the Coastal Division? Are Miami and North Carolina the wild cards to watch? Can anyone challenge Clemson or Florida State in the Atlantic Division? The fellas touch on every team and how the predictions might shake out in the ACC in 2015.

]]>24:43noCover 2 College Football Podcast: Early 2015 Big 12 PreviewTue, 10 Mar 2015 20:28:50 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan offer an early in-depth preview of the Big 12 conference. Who is the frontrunner: TCU or Baylor? Can Texas Tech and Oklahoma State get better? Can Oklahoma or Texas return to prominence? And what to make of the middle of the Big 12?]]>33:09noCover 2 Podcast: Recruiting Special feat. 247Sports' Barton SimmonsWed, 11 Feb 2015 17:51:16 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox are joined by National Recruiting Analyst from 247Sports.com Barton Simmons in a recruiting potpourri podcast. It's comprehensive, throrough and educational. Simmons breaks down the 2015 rankings, tells some bizarre stories and debates recruiting trends.]]>51:36noCover 2 Podcast: College Football's New Head CoachesWed, 21 Jan 2015 20:56:22 +0000Hosts Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan breakdown all 14 new head coaches in FBS college football. The guys rank their favorite (and least favorite) hires and analyze all of the newest trends in coaching. Does "fit" matter? Is offense more important than defense? And who is on the hot seat entering 2015?]]>01:07:02noCover 2 College Football Podcast: National Title Recap and AnalysisTue, 13 Jan 2015 17:04:23 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox break down the national championship victory for Ohio State. Did the Playoff work (and what does that even mean)? Should Cardale Jones go pro? Is Urban Meyer better than Nick Saban? What does the win mean for the Big Ten? What is Marcus Mariota's legacy? The guys answer all these questions and much more on the year-end recap edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>40:32noCover 2 College Football Podcast: National Championship PredictionsTue, 06 Jan 2015 19:21:14 +0000Hosts Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan go in-depth to break down college football's national championship game.

Fox recounts his trip to Pasadena, what the Rose Bowl is all about and his lonely New Year's Eve. Gall breaks down NOLA on New Year's and his favorite moments from the Sugar Bowl.

How do Ohio State and Oregon stack up against each other? The guys go position-by-position to analyze both teams to find strengths and weaknesses for both. Who has the coaching edge? Is Marcus Mariota simply too good to beat?

Each host offers up in-depth analysis and a final prediction for the season's final game.

]]>01:03:43noCover 2 Podcast: Predictions Live from the SemifinalsWed, 31 Dec 2014 14:55:11 +0000The Athlon Sports team has been dispatched to the New Orleans and Pasadena to cover the first college football semifinal. We'll survey the scene and storylines and then delve into our picks for New Year's Day.

David Fox is at the Rose Bowl trying to determine which star quarterback will have the big day and which team can more successfully play the underdog role. Braden Gall is at the Sugar Bowl where Blake Sims, Amari Cooper and the Ohio State defensive line may be able to upstage the powerhouse coaches.

Alabama vs. Ohio State: Can Cardale Jones handle the Bama defense? Can the Buckeyes defensive line disrupt the Bama offense? Which fan base wins the week off-the-field in New Orleans?

Oregon vs. Florida State: Which QB is better in Pasadena? Which defense is more likely to get stops? Does playing close games all year help or hurt FSU?

The guys cover all of this and make National Championship predictions on this special Playoff Predictions edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.

]]>43:37noCollege Football Cover 2 Podcast: Did the Committee get it right?Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:00:00 +0000Hosts Braden Gall, David Fox and Mitch Light debate the merits of the Selection Committee. Did they get the right four teams? What hurt the Big 12 the most? Who will be crowned the national champion when the dust settles? The guys break it all down and much more on this special Playoff Committee edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>36:44noCover 2 Podcast: Who should be Michigan's new head coach?Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:53:10 +0000Braden Gall, Mitch Light, David Fox and Steven Lassan debate the Michigan coaching search and offer predictions as to who will be the next head coach in Ann Arbor.]]>31:22noCover 2 Podcast: Championship Weekend PredictionsThu, 04 Dec 2014 16:18:57 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan preview Championship Weekend in college football. Do any of the underdogs have a chance to pull an upset? Can Florida State avoid disaster? Can Baylor jump TCU in the playoff standings? Will Oregon get revenge on Arizona? The guys pick every major game of the final weekend of the college football season.]]>38:44noCover 2 Podcast: Who will be Nebraska's new head coach?Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:10:57 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox are joined by Mitch Light to discuss the coaching opening at Nebraska. Is the Huskers job still an elite one in college football? What should expectations be in Lincoln? Who are the best candidates for the job? The guys break it all down and much more as well as offer up predictions as well.]]>36:57noCover 2 Podcast: Week 14 Recap and AnalysisMon, 01 Dec 2014 17:15:01 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox breakdown all of the action from Thanksgiving Weekend. Championship games are set in the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Pac-12. Ohio State is dealing with a huge injury, the ACC wins the rivalry series with the SEC, Nebraska makes a coaching change and the Pac-12 South race ends in dramatic fashion. We debate it all and offer our playoff predictions on this week's edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>52:27noCover 2 Podcast: Rivalry Week PredictionsTue, 25 Nov 2014 22:17:48 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan preview another historic week of Thanksgiving football. The Big Ten West, SEC West and East and Pac-12 South division championships hang in the balance. We also offer up some locks of the week against the spread and breakdown Turkey Day menus and traditions.]]>53:47noCover 2 Podcast: Week 13 Recap and AnalysisMon, 24 Nov 2014 18:26:58 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox breakdowns all of the action from Week 13. The Big Ten West is down to two teams, the ACC title game is set, UCLA takes the lead in the Pac-12 South, more Jameis Winston dicussion and Samaje Perine's record-setting performance. We debate it all and offer our playoff predictions on this week's edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>56:39noCover 2 Podcast: Week 13 PredictionsThu, 20 Nov 2014 16:00:52 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan preview an interesting weekend of games in college football. USC visits UCLA, two potential SEC title contenders are on the road, some Big Ten games with coaching implications and much more on this Week 13 podcast. We also offer up some locks of the week against the spread]]>41:27noCover 2 Podcast: Who will be Florida's next coach?Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:28:02 +0000Will Muschamp is out as the Florida head coach. Braden Gall, David Fox, Mitch Light and Steven Lassan debate the Florida Gators head coaching vacancy in an Athlon Sports roundtable.

Our hosts debate every viable candidate and give their top three dream candidates and their predictions for the job. They do not necessarily overlap. Each panelist makes a bold prediction as to who will be the next head football coach at Florida.

]]>29:13noCover 2 Podcast: Week 12 Recap and AnalysisMon, 17 Nov 2014 17:47:03 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox breakdown how a wild Week 12 in college football. Alabama takes control of the West, Mizzou and Georgia battle for the East and Florida is looking for a new coach. Melvin Gordon and JT Barrett star in the Big Ten, TCU struggles in the Big 12 and Arizona State opens up the Pac-12 South race. And Florida State survives yet another halftime deficit. We debate it all and much more this week's edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>58:58noCover 2 Podcast: Week 12 PredictionsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:14:48 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan preview a huge slate of action in the SEC, including a playoff showdown between Mississippi State and Alababam. The guys break down the marquee showdown in the Big Ten and ACC as well. We also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>54:23noCover 2 Podcast: Week 11 RecapMon, 10 Nov 2014 17:12:26 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox breakdown how Week 11 impacted the playoff picture. TCU vs. Baylor? Can Florida State survive with one loss? Does a two-loss SEC champ get the nod over a one-loss champ? How good is Ohio State? We debate it all and much more on a spirited edition of the Cover 2 Podcast.]]>45:10noCover 2 Podcast: Week 10 RecapMon, 03 Nov 2014 18:05:03 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox recap all of Week 10's action in college football. This week's edition features press conference conflict, poorly timed tweets, upsets in the SEC, isuses at Florida and Michigan as well as lots of Big 12 and SEC West talk. The fellas also give you their post-Week 10 playoff poll as well.]]>01:04:11noCover 2 Podcast: Week 10 PredictionsThu, 30 Oct 2014 15:41:28 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan preview the big games of Week 10. The Pac-12 has a full slate of interesting games, Auburn-Ole Miss and the Cocktail Party highlights another great SEC schedule, Gameday is in Morgantown and who really cares about the Big Ten? We pick every big game for Week 10 and also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>51:30noCover 2 Podcast: Week 9 RecapMon, 27 Oct 2014 16:07:07 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox recap all of Week 9's action in college football. This week's edition features a healthy SEC West playoff debate (things get heated), wide open races in the Pac-12 South, Big Ten West and ACC Coastal and some impressive numbers in the Big 12. The fellas also give you their playoff poll as well.]]>57:52noCover 2 Podcast: Week 9 PreviewThu, 23 Oct 2014 15:30:11 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan preview the big games of Week 9. A huge slate of games out West in the Pac-12 highlight a great weekend as well as big rivalry games in the Big Ten and SEC. And does anyone care about the ACC this week? The guys also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>40:12noCover 2 Podcast: Week 8 RecapMon, 20 Oct 2014 16:51:13 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox recap all of Week 8's action in college football. This week's edition features Florida State's win over Notre Dame, the entertaining Big 12, a Will Muschamp debate, Oregon's return and much more. The fellas also give you their playoff poll as well.]]>54:09noCover 2 Podcast: Week 8 PredictionsThu, 16 Oct 2014 15:17:21 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews the big games of Week 8. The Big 12 takes center stage with five ranked teams in action. Notre Dame visits Florida State in the ACC, Stanford and Oregon highlight key games out West and plenty of SEC contenders are looking to hold off upsets. The guys also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>40:57noCover 2 PodcastMon, 13 Oct 2014 17:51:00 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox recap all of Week 7'saction in college football. The state of Mississippi once again dominated, Oregon made a huge statement in the Pac-12 and the wide open and wacky Big 12 highlight this week's conversation. The fellas also give you their playoff teams as well.]]>45:39noCover 2 Podcast: Week 7 PredictionsThu, 09 Oct 2014 15:10:41 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews the big games of Week 6. It's another huge week in the SEC, there are marquee games in the State of Texas and a Pac-12 championship game preview out West. The guys also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>46:21noCover 2 Podcast: Week 6 RecapMon, 06 Oct 2014 20:59:26 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox recap a wild Week 6 of action in college football. The guys talk State of Mississippi football, the SEC East, the Pac-12's chances of landing in the playoff, Florida State versus Auburn at No. 1, the Big 12 race and much more.]]>53:10noCover 2 Podcast: Week 6 PredictionsThu, 02 Oct 2014 15:34:05 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews the big games of Week 6. The SEC West has a massive trio of games while Michigan State hosts Nebraska in the Big Ten. Baylor and Oklahoma also have big road trips in the Big 12 as well. The guys also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>41:53noCover 2 Podcast: Week 5 RecapMon, 29 Sep 2014 16:19:12 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox cover all of the action from the college gridiron in Week 5. The Pac-12 races start to heat up, the ACC struggles again and Kansas is looking for a new coach. The guys also have some strong words for Brady Hoke and quarterbacks in the SEC.]]>50:56noCover 2 Podcast: Week 5 RecapMon, 29 Sep 2014 16:18:50 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox cover all of the action from the college gridiron in Week 5. The Pac-12 races start to heat up, the ACC struggles again and Kansas is looking for a new coach. The guys also have some strong words for Brady Hoke and quarterbacks in the SEC.]]>Cover 2 Podcast: Week 5 Preview and PredictionsThu, 25 Sep 2014 15:20:49 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews the big games of Week 5. The Pac-12 takes center stage with a deep slate of action while the SEC has three marquee showdowns. Florida State, Baylor and Ohio State all have interesting tests as well. The guys also offer up some locks of the week against the spread.]]>36:13noCover 2 Podcast: Week 4 RecapMon, 22 Sep 2014 15:57:42 +0000The guys recap the big weekend of action in the SEC, including Florida-Bama, Mississippi State-LSU and Missouri's lose to Indiana. The Big Ten deserves credit with the exception of Michigan, so what does the lose to Utah mean for Brady Hoke? The ACC struggled in Week 4 and the guys break down all of the action from Florida State-Clemson and the rest of the ACC. And Week 4 ended with some serious fireworks from the Pac-12.]]>55:19noCover 2 Podcast: Week 4 PredictionsThu, 18 Sep 2014 14:56:21 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews the big games in the SEC, Oklahoma's visit to West Virginia, the ACC's turn to crush the Big Ten and much more.The guys also give their locks of the week against the spread in this Week 4 college football preview.]]>37:10noCover 2 Podcast: Complete Week 3 RecapMon, 15 Sep 2014 16:05:50 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and David Fox recap the big Georgia-South Carolina game and what it means for the SEC East. The Week 3 edition also features the quality showing from the Big 12, UCLA's comeback, the Big Ten's second rough weekend in a row and a couple of big upsets in the ACC.]]>47:20noCover 2 Podcast: Week 3 PredictionsThu, 11 Sep 2014 15:30:20 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews all of the big action from Week 3 including Georgia-South Carolina, UCLA-Texas, an underrated Big 12 slate and plenty of conference games. The guys also give their locks of the week against the spread as well.]]>35:58noCover 2 Podcast: Week 2 RecapMon, 08 Sep 2014 15:40:10 +0000Week 2 is in the books and the Big Ten should be worried. Hosts David Fox and Braden Gall recap all of the action from Week 2, including the Big Ten's struggles, the Ducks marquee win, the Hokies huge upset and Pat Haden's behavior.]]>41:52noCover 2 Podcast: Week 2 PreviewThu, 04 Sep 2014 15:52:56 +0000Hosts Braden Gall and Steven Lassan previews all of the big action from Week 2 including Michigan State-Oregon, USC-Stanford, Michigan-Notre Dame, BYU-Texas and so much more. The guys also give their locks of the week against the spread as well.]]>28:25noCover 2 Podcast: Complete Week 1 RecapTue, 02 Sep 2014 20:45:54 +0000Week 1 is in the books and the entire world is overreacting. Hosts David Fox and Braden Gall recap the entire first weekend of action and tell you what they learned about each of the Big 5 conferences. Injuries, upsets, letdowns and analysis highlight this jampacked Week 1 edition.]]>51:14noCover 2 Podcast: Week 1 PreviewTue, 26 Aug 2014 20:59:37 +0000College football season is finally here and the guys preview the opening weekend of the season. Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan make picks, talk upsets, discuss Braxton Miller's injury and argue about fall weddings.]]>51:55noCover 2 Podcast: Official 2014 PredictionsThu, 14 Aug 2014 20:25:57 +0000The 2014 season is upon us and the guys make all of their official predictions for each of the Big 5 conferences as well as who will win the first College Football Playoff.

]]>01:04:21noCover 2 Podcast: State of College Football with Steven GodfreyTue, 05 Aug 2014 20:51:31 +0000Following talkin' season, Athlon Sports' Braden Gall and David Fox sit down with SBNation's Steven Godfrey for a State of the Union college football conversation.

The guys break down autonomy, the future of scheduling, media days across the country and much more.

Braden Gall and David Fox were joined by Big Ten Network studio host and author Dave Revsine as well as Big Ten Network reporter Tom Deinhart.

]]>31:46noCover 2 Podcast: Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and KentuckyThu, 17 Jul 2014 20:29:38 +0000SEC Media Days are here, and Athlon Sports is live from Hoover, Ala., to talk every team around the league. Day 4 featured Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Kentucky.

Day 4 was highlighted by the king of the SEC, Alabama's Nick Saban, a very brash Mark Richt, Kentucky's Mark Stoops and a surging Ole Miss program.

Braden Gall and David Fox were joined by SiriusXM's Greg McElroy, the Macon Telegraph's Seth Emerson and Alabama wide receiver Christion Jones.

]]>33:22noCover 2 Podcast: Complete SEC Network PreviewThu, 17 Jul 2014 13:26:29 +0000SEC Media Days are here, and Athlon Sports is live from Hoover, Ala., to talk every team around the league. With the launch of the much-anticipated SEC Network right around the corner, the guys caught up with some of the biggest names involved in the launch.

Braden Gall and David Fox were joined by lead sideline reporter Maria Taylor, studio host extraordinaire Dari Nowkhah and Mr. College Football himself Tony Barnhart to talk all things SEC Network and the upcoming season.

]]>37:05noSEC Media Day 3: LSU, Missouri, Arkansas and The PlayoffWed, 16 Jul 2014 22:44:17 +0000SEC Media Days are here, and Athlon Sports is live from Hoover, Ala., to talk every team around the league. Day 3 featured the College Football Playoff, LSU, Missouri and Arkansas.

Day 3 was highlighted by a Playoff presentation from Bill Hancock, a visit with Les Miles, an entertaining Bret Bielema and Missouri's Gary Pinkel.

Braden Gall and David Fox were joined by CBS' Allie LaForce, Dave Matter of the St. Louis-Post Dispatch and NOLA.com's Ron Higgins.

Braden Gall and David Fox were joined by Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com, Josh Ward of Mr. SEC and The Sports Animal in Knoxville as well as Josh Kendall of The State covering the Gamecocks.

Have a question or comment? Contact us at podcast@athlonsports.com or on Twitter at @AthlonSports, @BradenGall and @DavidFox615

]]>47:53noSEC Media Day: Auburn, Florida and VanderbiltMon, 14 Jul 2014 22:51:52 +0000SEC Media Day is here, and Athlon Sports is live from Hoover, Ala., to talk every team around the league.

Day 1 started with comments from commissioner Mike Slive plus Auburn, Florida and Vanderbilt.

On the docket for the first day was Mike Slive's push for autonomy, the absence of Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, Florida's hot seat coach and new offense and higher expectations for Derek Mason at Vanderbilt.

Joining us today were Brandon Marcello from AL.com and Edgar Thompson from the Orlando Sentinel.

]]>22:52noJuly 3: Coaching ExtravaganzaThu, 03 Jul 2014 19:04:18 +0000After last week's league-by-league look at quarterbacks, the Athlon Sports Cover 2 Team did the same examination of coaches through each of the five major conferences. We picked coaches on the hot seat for the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC and pinpointed the assistants you need to watch and the impact coordinators in each league.

Questions, comments or concerns? Email us at podcast@athlonsports.com or Tweet us at @AthlonSports.

]]>45:54noJune 17: Quarterback SpectacularTue, 17 Jun 2014 19:49:42 +0000The Athlon Sports team returns to action with a look at all the quarterbacks around college football.

Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan make their picks for the top quarterbacks for each league, the top battles and the sleepers for major conferences.

They also take a quick look at the non-major conferences, and soccer player/Athlon intern Andie grills one of our hosts about his true feelings on the World Cup.

You can reach the podcast team at podcast@athlonsports.com or on Twitter at @AthlonSports @BradenGall @DavidFox615 and @AthlonSteven.]]>55:20noMay 28: College Football Playoff picks and predictionsWed, 28 May 2014 17:11:21 +0000The final four teams in the Athlon Sports top 25 countdown were released this week, meaning we've seeded our projections for the first College Football playoff: No. 1 Florida State vs. No. 4 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl and No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 3 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.

This week, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan talk about how we arrived at those matchups, how those games might be settled and other contenders for the the first Playoff.

Our hosts also discuss what changes they'd like to see before the Playoff has even begun and some predictions of what we'll see next.

As always, you can reach us on Twitter at @AthlonSports or by email at podcast@athlonsports.com.

]]>43:45noNo. 1 Florida State: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 27 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 1 team, Florida State. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Seminoles get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>12:38noNo. 2 Alabama: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 27 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 2 team, Alabama. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Crimson Tide get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>14:06noNo. 3 Ohio State: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownFri, 23 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 3 team, Ohio State. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Buckeyes get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>12:05noNo. 4 Oklahoma: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownThu, 22 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 4 team, Oklahoma. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Sooners get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:34noNo. 5 Auburn: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownWed, 21 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 5 team, Auburn. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Tigers get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>11:24noNo. 6 Oregon: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 20 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 6 team, Oregon. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Ducks get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:52noNo. 7 UCLA: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 20 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 7 team, UCLA. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Bruins get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:25noNo. 8 Georgia: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownMon, 19 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 8 team, Georgia. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Bulldogs get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:35noNo. 9 South Carolina: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownMon, 19 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 9 team, South Carolina. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Gamecocks get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:56noNo. 10 Baylor: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownFri, 16 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 10 team, Baylor. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Bears get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:14noNo. 11 Michigan State: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownFri, 16 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 11 team, Michigan State. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Spartans get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:15noNo. 12 Stanford: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownThu, 15 May 2014 15:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 12 team, Stanford. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Cardinal get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:31noNo. 13 Notre Dame: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownThu, 15 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 13 team, Notre Dame. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Irish get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:50noNo. 14 USC: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownThu, 15 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 14 team, USC. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Trojans get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:43noNo. 15 Wisconsin: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownWed, 14 May 2014 15:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 16 team, Wisconsin. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Badgers get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:44noNo. 16 Arizona State: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownWed, 14 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 16 team, Arizona State. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Sun Devils get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:56noNo. 17 Texas: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownWed, 14 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 17 team, Texas. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Longhorns get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>11:41noNo. 18 Ole Miss: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 13 May 2014 16:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 18 team, Ole Miss. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Rebels get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:56noNo. 19 LSU: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 13 May 2014 15:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 19 team, LSU. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Tigers get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>09:11nofootball,lsuNo. 20 Kansas State: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 13 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 20 team, Kansas State. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Wildcats get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>07:04noNo. 21 Clemson: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownTue, 13 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 21 team, Clemson. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Tigers get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>07:39nofootball,clemson,accNo. 22 Penn State: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownMon, 12 May 2014 16:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 22 team, Penn State. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Nittany Lions get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>07:34nobig,penn,college,state,lions,ten,footbal,nittanyNo. 23 Florida: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownMon, 12 May 2014 15:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of the preseason top 25 with a breakdown of our No. 23 team, Florida. We take a look at the personnel, schedule and more as the Gators get ready for 2014.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>08:16nofootball,college,florida,sec,gatorsNo. 24 Washington: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownMon, 12 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000Athlon continues its rollout of podcasts previewing each of the preseason top 25 teams, continuing today with No. 24 Washington.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.]]>07:45nofootball,college,washington,huskies,pac12No. 25 Missouri: Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast CountdownMon, 12 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000Athlon is starting its rollout of the 2014 preseason top 25 today with our breakdown of No. 25 Missouri.

For each team in the top 25, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan will preview each team's outlook for 2014 and explain the thinking behind each ranking. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for a podcast preview on each team.

]]>07:43nofootball,college,tigers,missouri,secPac-12 Preseason Rankings Preview and DebateThu, 08 May 2014 10:00:00 +0000We’ve reached the end of our preseason rankings debate with the Pac-12. Oregon and Stanford have ruled this league for four years, but we have a handful of reasons to wonder if that reign can continue.

Washington has a new coach and a new quarterback and may be poised to continue the progress made under Steve Sarkisian. Sark may have a contender of his own at USC, but we discuss how depth — or UCLA — may hinder the Trojans’ Pac-12 title hopes.

But Oregon and Stanford continues to be the favorites as the Athlon staff again debated between the Ducks and Cardinal to win the North and perhaps the Pac-12. We discuss where we leaning on today’s Cover 2.

We also continued a new, not-so-subtle pitch for you to get involved at sponsorus@athlonsports.com. As always, you can reach our hosts at @BradenGall, @DavidFox615 and @AthlonSteven on Twitter or at podcast@athlonsports.com.]]>43:30nopodcast,football,college,pac12SEC West Preseason Debate and 2014 PreviewTue, 06 May 2014 18:09:59 +0000The second part of our SEC rankings and preseason preview continues with the West Division, home of four of the last five national champions. The SEC West was the toughest division for Athlon Sports to pick this season, especially in the middle.

The power resides in the state of Alabama, but the team with more reason for optimism may be under debate. Ole Miss and Mississippi State are both in good position, one of the rare times both Egg Bowl rivals go into a season with high hopes.

The X-factor may be LSU, a team that has been a lock for 10 wins in recent years. The Tigers are replacing some key cogs on defense and will be young at skill positions on offense.

We also introduced a new, not-so-subtle pitch for you to get involved at sponsorus@athlonsports.com. As always, you can reach our hosts at @BradenGall @DavidFox615 and @AthlonSteven on Twitter or at podcast@athlonsports.com.]]>40:29nomiss,football,college,west,alabama,tigers,ole,crimson,rebels,sec,lsu,tide,auburnSEC East Preseason Debate and 2014 PreviewWed, 30 Apr 2014 11:00:00 +0000The SEC is too big for one podcast, so our preseason rankings and debate series continues with the SEC East.

As we start to break down the preseason rankings, we look at the trends that will shape the East. Missouri won the division a year ago and has the consensus top quarterback in the East, but can the Tigers repeat? We’re not sold.

Florida may be an X-factor with a healthy Jeff Driskel, but Georgia and South Carolina have the most complete teams aside from quarterback questions.

We also took reader questions this week from Twitter and Facebook. Have a question you’d like to have answered on the podcast? Tweet us at @AthlonSports or email podcast@athlonsports.com.]]>42:56nofootball,college,east,secReporting from Alabama, Auburn Spring GamesFri, 25 Apr 2014 01:16:47 +0000Athlon’s Braden Gall and David Fox split up A-Day duties, spending time at Auburn and Alabama through each school’s spring game.

At Auburn, the fan base (and athletic director) is enjoying the rebound, but Gus Malzahn is busy at work trying to ramp up the tempo of the offense while plugging holes on defense.

At Alabama, the fans have moved on from the 0-2 finish to last season, but the losing streak exposed some cracks in leadership and culture in the Alabama locker room. Nick Saban spent the spring trying to reinforce those things.

In the spring games, both teams learned a bit about their quarterbacks. Nick Marshall may be on his way to being a standout passer while Blake Sims might not be the top guy for much longer.]]>21:01noACC Preseason Debate and 2014 PreviewTue, 15 Apr 2014 15:04:07 +0000The debate concerning preseason rankings has started around the Athlon Sports offices, and we’re giving you an inside look at all the conversations that will shape the 2014 countdown.

This week, Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan take you inside the process of the rankings meeting as they talk through the teams in the ACC.

Will anyone challenge Florida State in the Atlantic? Will Louisville be a factor in Bobby Petrino’s return? And how do we sort out the mess that is the Coastal Division?]]>35:35noExplaining the 2014 Coach RankingsWed, 09 Apr 2014 14:39:04 +0000Athlon Sports’ annual rankings of every college football coach in the FBS posted this week. The No. 1 spot may be clear, but the rest of the rankings weren’t so easy.

Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan take you into the process of ranking every coach, explaining the criteria we used and some dissension in the ranks.

Our panel felt pretty confident about the first four, but we love the top coaches in the Big 12. Also, we explain the difficulty in ranking coaches in the 20-30 range, defend the coaches who are underrated and identify the coaches who have a chance to move up the rankings in 2015.]]>26:41nofootball,collegeBig Ten Preseason Debate and 2014 PreviewWed, 09 Apr 2014 10:00:00 +0000Now that the NCAA Tournament is complete, the Athlon editors can take a deeper look at the upcoming college football season. The rankings discussion for the preseason magazines is in full swing as spring practice is in its final weeks.

Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan take you inside the process of the rankings meeting as they talk through the teams in the Big Ten.

Who can challenge Ohio State? Will Michigan State continue to be a contender for the title? Can teams like Michigan and Nebraska return to power house status?]]>37:26nobig,football,college,tenNCAA Tournament Special: Picks for every game and talking Bruce Pearl at AuburnWed, 19 Mar 2014 16:24:48 +0000The Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast took a quick break from college football spring football previews to quickly delve into college basketball.

Before delving into picks for every game in the NCAA Tournaments, co-hosts Braden Gall and David Fox give their quick reaction to Bruce Pearl’s hire at Auburn. Pearl will undoubtedly bring interest to the Auburn basketball program, but does he immediately give Auburn the best coaching duo in the league.

Then it’s on to picks for every game in the NCAA Tournament, region by region. All the upsets and storylines for every game through the title game.]]>36:13nocollege,basketball,march,madness,ncaa,tournamentPreseason debate and 2014 preview: Big 12Fri, 14 Mar 2014 18:33:25 +0000Preparation for the 2014 college football preview magazines has begun around the Athlon Sports offices, starting with the Big 12.

Oklahoma and Baylor separated themselves as favorites, but Braden Gall, David Fox and Steven Lassan have plenty of questions about both teams.

In the first of a series taking you inside our rankings meeting, we talk about the debates that shaped our discussion in the Big 12.

Braden Gall and David Fox explain why Alabama’s day was almost non-news and why Tennessee and Kentucky turned out to be the big winners.

Charlie Strong at Texas gave us a reason to look into recruiting in the state of Texas and whether his words about the virtues of being a “gadget program” have merit. Has Strong already fallen too far behind Coach Cool at Texas A&M?

Then, we talk about the most interesting long-term recruiting trend whether it’s USC vs. UCLA or Ohio State pulling away from the rest of the Big Ten.]]>38:21noJan. 16: Stealing recruits and assessing teams after the draft deadlineThu, 16 Jan 2014 22:40:06 +0000Discussing the personality differences on the big new coaches hired at Penn State, USC at Texas and how James Franklin, Steve Sarkisian and Charlie Strong will attack their respective jobs.

Franklin’s hire set off more news as he continued to recruit Vanderbilt commitments at Penn State. Should recruits be off limits when coaches move or is all fair in the recruiting game?

Lastly, Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan makes a special appearance to pick the teams that benefited the most from the NFL Draft early entry deadline and who is losing out.]]>45:30noJan. 8: Hello, 2014. Our top stories for the college football offseasonWed, 08 Jan 2014 21:23:30 +0000The 2014 season is over, so it’s time to start talking a little 2014 football.

First, hosts Braden Gall and David Fox put Florida State’s championship into perspective. The question: Did Jameis Winston just complete the best freshman season in college football history? Or does the nod go to Johnny Manziel, Adrian Peterson or Maurice Clarrett.

Then, they break down some of the coaching news. Charlie Strong is the guy at Texas, but not everyone is on the bandwagon. Penn State thought they were close to nabbing James Franklin, but the Nittany Lions are in limbo. Does Franklin have it better in Nashville?

And then moving on to 2014, Fox and Gall go through the major conferences and discuss their storylines to watch in the upcoming months from off-field issues, recruiting, new coaches and personnel.]]>00noEp. 18, Jan. 2: Florida State-Auburn Preview, Contenders at Penn State, TexasThu, 02 Jan 2014 20:53:00 +0000The Athlon Sports Cover 2 Podcast returns after a brief holiday hiatus to talk about the three big stories in college football. The Texas job remains opens as the Longhorns (maybe) close in on candidates. David Fox and Braden Gall discus the reported list of finalists.

Penn State also opened up this week. Where does this job rank right now given the sanctions for the next few years, and what kind of candidates can Penn State hope to get?

After that, Fox and Gall delve into the national championship game. On paper, all the signs point to Florida State dominating. But there’s something about this Auburn team.

Finally, we share our hopes for the college football world in 2014 and react to a best names of 2013 bracket.]]>46:45noEp. 17: Texas talk, plus early bowl game word associationWed, 18 Dec 2013 21:21:37 +0000Who says there’s a lull in the college football season? The coaching carousel gets new life with the Texas job. Braden Gall and David Fox talk about their top three realistic candidates for the job. It’s also time for a bit of reading as our hosts react to columns on Mack Brown as Mr. Football and the Nickelback of college football coaching. Lastly, a moderately successful game of word association for the early bowl games.]]>46:29no